Hong Kong has long been recognized as a global hub for higher education, acclaimed for its exceptional resources and reputation that attract top scholars and students globally. Meanwhile, its blend of Eastern and Western educational philosophies creates an environment rooted in Asian culture and supported by English-medium instruction that fosters a global perspective.

Against this backdrop, the School of Professional Education and Executive Development, established by the Hong Kong Polytechnic University in 1999, stands as a leading provider of undergraduate, top-up, and postgraduate degrees. PolyU SPEED offers a rigorous academic pathway, equipping students with the knowledge and skills to succeed in a competitive environment.

Ambassador program

To better showcase the unique advantages of PolyU SPEED to non-local students, the school revealed its Elite Ambassador Program on May 9, designed to connect with talents through graduate voices.

The initiative invites outstanding master’s graduates to serve as role models. Drawing upon their life experiences and personal perspectives, these graduates play a pivotal role in effectively and persuasively conveying the institution’s academic culture, educational philosophy and intellectual heritage, according to Jason Chan, director of PolyU SPEED.

“These role models will demonstrate to applicants the caliber of our graduates, helping future students gain a clear and accurate understanding of what our graduates are truly like,” Chan said.

He emphasized that the selected graduates are naturally articulate and eager to share their experiences. “Some of our students from the Chinese mainland arrive in Hong Kong feeling lost and disoriented in their new surroundings,” he said. “Hearing firsthand information from peers who have walked the same path can make a profound difference, helping them adjust, find their footing and truly settle in.”

Chan continued: “This initiative will also serve to foster a genuine sense of belonging among our graduates. By building a devoted circle of role models to guide the way, we are laying the groundwork upon which a formal alumni network may one day stand.”

At the program’s launch ceremony, the participants shared their personal reflections on PolyU SPEED.

Ma Xiaoyong, a former TV host and a graduate of the Master of Arts in Chinese Creative Writing and Media Culture, distilled her learning journey into three words: professional, responsible and progressive.

“Teachers impart genuine knowledge, show heartfelt dedication, and offer thoughtful guidance on career paths,” she said. “Meanwhile, the school’s academic culture is one of continuous improvement and relentless pursuit of breakthroughs.”

Wang Xing, a graduate of the Master of Science in Green Business Management, said that PolyU SPEED has been instrumental in propelling her career. “I was drawn to the Green Business Management program precisely because it stands at the forefront of its field,” she explained. “Many things I studied — green supply chain and logistics, for instance — have proven directly applicable to real-world business management.”

Innovating learning

PolyU SPEED stands at the forefront of technology, integrating artificial intelligence into the entire education process, injecting momentum into students’ holistic development and advancing teaching quality.

This commitment was on full display at the AI Solutions Day event, held on April 21, at the PolyU West Kowloon Campus. Students and staff connected with top-tier technology companies to explore the transformative power of AI in learning, teaching and research.

During the event, the PolyU CPCE AI Lab joined forces with industry luminaries, including Google, Microsoft, BytePlus and Kinetix, to present an array of cutting-edge AI services.

According to Chan, PolyU SPEED stands as one of the largest adopters of AI tools among self-financing institutions, having initiated staff training in AI several years ago. This early commitment has positioned the school at the forefront of AI-driven education.

Students, too, are encouraged to harness AI for research and assignments. However, they are required to meticulously document their usage to safeguard academic integrity and prevent plagiarism. Chan emphasized that AI serves not as a substitute for genuine effort, but as a catalyst to elevate the quality and depth of student work, supported by collaborations with multiple major technology enterprises.

Fulfilling dreams

PolyU SPEED regularly hosts thoughtful, well-structured Admission Day events. Featuring diverse program talks, on-the-spot consultation, and application fee waivers, these events respond to student needs and support their further education planning.

On the upcoming Admission Day, to be held on June 6, PolyU SPEED is to welcome renowned key opinion leader Rannes Man, who will share her inspiring journey in a talk titled “One Person, Three Career Paths and Endless Opportunities”. Students are invited to register for the guest talk and gain inspiration for their own paths ahead.

Chan is to personally share practical tips for succeeding in interviews, helping students stand out amid the fierce competition for admission.

“During the interview, students should remember one key principle: they need to speak up and express themselves as much as they can. In fact, the more they speak, and especially the more proactive and positive their attitude is — demonstrating a genuine desire to build their future here — the more their chances of successful admission.”

Beyond delivering high-quality academic resources, the institution places emphasis on students’ overall learning experience and daily well-being, treating every student with care.

Click here to see more information about the admission day

“PolyU SPEED provides both entry and merit-based scholarships of up to HK$110,000 ($14,000) per eligible undergraduate top-up degree student, whether full-time or part-time, and HK$190,000 per eligible four-year full-time undergraduate student. What’s more, the Student Affairs Office offers accommodation information and psychological counseling, supported by on-campus psychologists and social workers,” said Chan.

The director also shared his motto: “Advance with reason; act without restriction”, as a message of encouragement for both prospective students and graduates.

“Everything in life unfolds in a natural sequence, step by measured step,” he explained. “You must walk those steps in order, preparing yourself at each stage. Yet even as you follow this progression, you must constantly liberate your mind from its constraints, venturing beyond the prescribed order to imagine new pathways that lead to the very same destination.”